Top 10 Affordable Countries for Indian Students in 2025

1. Norway, Budget-Friendly Countries to Study Abroad

• Cost of Living: INR 1,00,000/month
• Cost of Studying: INR 13,00,000 to INR 19,00,000/year

Norway is an increasingly popular choice for students studying in Europe, along with Germany, for its world-class education system and high living standards.

Until 2022, Norway offered free education to all students, including internationals. However, as of 2023, international students must pay tuition fees at public universities.

While this represents a change, Norway’s tuition fees remain much more affordable than those of more traditional study destinations such as the UK, the US, or Canada.

Educational institutions like the Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU) are leaders in technology, engineering, and the sciences.

The country also offers various government scholarships to help international students manage the costs of their studies.

While studying in Norway may require more financial planning due to recent tuition fee changes, the country still offers a high return on investment in education and quality of life.

2. Germany, Affordable Countries for Indian Students

• Cost of Living: INR 89,000/month
• Cost of Studying: INR 23,50,000/year (Bachelor’s), INR 36,00,000/year (Master’s)

The cost of studying in Germany varies depending on the type of institution. For private university students, tuition fees can range from approximately ₹9,00,000 to ₹18,00,000 per year, depending on the degree and program.

One of Germany’s most appealing aspects is the ability for international students to study for free at public universities.

This policy allows students to receive a high-quality education without worrying about tuition fees. However, students should be prepared to manage living costs, which vary depending on the residential area and lifestyle.

Regarding visa success rates, Germany is a relatively accessible destination for Indian students. Based on research conducted in 2023, the German student visa success rate for Indian applicants is around 90%.

This high success rate indicates that students who meet the requirements and provide the proper documentation have a strong chance of obtaining a visa to study in Germany.

Many well-known universities in Germany, including the University of Munich and the University of Heidelberg. Most of them are internationally renowned for their academic excellence.

Additionally, students can access various scholarships, such as StipendiumPlus and the Erasmus Program, to help offset living expenses and make studying in Germany more affordable.

3. Switzerland, Budget-Friendly Countries to Study Abroad

• Cost of Living: INR 1,40,000/month
• Cost of Studying: INR 36,000 to INR 3,30,000/year

The cost of studying in Switzerland depends on the level of study and the university. The average tuition fee for a bachelor’s degree ranges from INR 10 to 25 lakhs. For a master’s degree, fees can go up to INR 30-35 lakhs.

Living costs in Switzerland are relatively high, especially in major cities like Zurich or Geneva. Take a look at these ballparks for comparison:

• Shared apartments typically cost between ₹62,400 and ₹96,000 per month;
• Private apartments range from ₹1,28,000 to ₹1,84,000 per month;
• Luxury apartment costs range from ₹2,40,000 to ₹3,28,000 per month.

Students must budget carefully for these living expenses, as they are a significant part of the overall cost of studying in Switzerland.

Switzerland is known for its top-tier universities, such as ETH Zurich and the University of Geneva. They are consistently ranked among the best in the world.

Additionally, Switzerland’s multicultural environment and high standard of living make it an ideal place for international students.

While studying in Switzerland offers many advantages, non-EU students may find it challenging to secure a job after graduation.

Swiss employers must justify hiring a non-EU citizen by proving that no Swiss or EU candidates are suitable for the job.

4. Denmark, Affordable Countries for Indian Students

• Cost of Living: INR 1,00,000/month
• Cost of Studying: INR 14,00,000/year

Denmark offers significant advantages for Indian students, including free education and healthcare, funded through taxes.

Higher average salaries in Denmark help offset living expenses, making it more affordable for residents in the long term.

The country boasts highly qualified faculty members and well-established university infrastructures, making its institutions an educational hub in Europe.

The cost of studying in Denmark varies depending on the university and program, with tuition fees ranging from approximately INR 6.68 to INR 17.50 lakhs.

These figures cover tuition fees only. Students must also account for living expenses, which vary depending on the city and lifestyle.

Denmark has a policy similar to Germany’s regarding attracting skilled immigrants. It aims to attract highly educated professionals from India and Arab countries.

One significant advantage of Denmark is its widespread proficiency in English. Most Danes are comfortable communicating in English, making it easier for Indian students to settle and study in the country.

The top universities in Denmark include the University of Copenhagen and the Technical University of Denmark, renowned for their academic excellence and research opportunities.

Furthermore, the Danish government offers scholarships to help international students finance their studies, making Denmark an even more attractive study destination.

5. Belgium, Budget-Friendly Countries to Study Abroad

• Cost of Living: INR 83,670/month
• Cost of Studying: INR 85,000 to INR 6,00,000/year

Belgium is known for its high standard of living; however, this comes with a relatively high cost of living, especially in urban areas.

The average monthly cost for a single person living in a 1-bedroom apartment in the city centre is around ₹1,40,850.

While living in Belgium isn’t cheap, the cost is balanced by high salaries and a strong quality of life, making it a viable option for expatriates and students.

Brussels is home to the European Parliament, which provides numerous networking and post-degree employment opportunities, especially in international relations, politics, and law.

This international environment makes Belgium an appealing destination for those looking to expand their career prospects after graduation.

Belgium is also recognized as one of the world’s safest and most peaceful countries. It has a well-developed economy and excellent healthcare and social services.

While some top Belgian universities, such as KU Leuven and Ghent University, charge tuition fees, these are generally lower than those in other European countries.

Several scholarships, such as the KU Leuven Scholarships and ARES Scholarships, are available for students who want to reduce their educational expenses.

📚 If you want to know about Studying in Germany for Indian Students + CHALLENGES and OPPORTUNITIES read this article:

6. Italy, Affordable Countries for Indian Students

• Cost of Living: INR 77,000/month
• Cost of Studying: INR 4,50,000/year

The cost of studying an undergraduate program in Italy can range from INR 72,000 to INR 24,00,000 per year, depending on whether the university is public or private.

Italy is among the most affordable countries for Indian students to study. However, when it comes to the cost of living, the city where students choose to study will significantly affect their monthly expenses.

Rome and Milan are among the most expensive cities in Italy, with higher living costs than smaller cities. On the other hand, cities like Naples, Turin, and Catania offer lower living costs.

For Indian students, living in cities like Catania can be a great way to save money while still enjoying the benefits of studying in Italy.

Many public universities in Italy offer free education or charge significantly reduced tuition fees for both Italian and international students.

Additionally, Italy’s scholarship programs, such as the Bocconi Merit Scholarships and the Padua International Excellence Scholarship, further help reduce the financial burden of studying abroad.

Politecnico di Milano and the University of Bologna are among the top Italian universities renowned for their educational standards.

7. Spain, Budget-Friendly Countries to Study Abroad

• Cost of Living: INR 64,000/month
• Cost of Studying: INR 5,40,000/year (Bachelor’s), INR 2,40,000/year (Master’s)

For EU/EEA students, public universities in Spain offer relatively low tuition fees, ranging from approximately ₹54,000 to ₹1,80,000 per year, depending on the program and institution.

For non-EU students, fees are still relatively affordable, with annual costs ranging from ₹1,35,000 to ₹3,15,000, significantly lower than those in major study destinations.

Most semester programs with university credits cost between ₹9,60,000 and ₹16,00,000 per semester, depending on the institution and program. This translates to a monthly cost of approximately ₹2,80,000 to ₹3,60,000.

Students can expect to pay around ₹3,20,000 for shorter, one-month courses, with additional spending money required for personal expenses.

One reason Spain is such a desirable study destination is its harmonious environment. According to the Global Peace Index, Spain ranks 23rd globally for safety and peace.

Top universities in Spain, such as the University of Barcelona and the Complutense University of Madrid, offer a wide range of programs and are highly regarded for their academic excellence.

Additionally, scholarships such as the Erasmus Mundus and EADA Scholarships make studying in Spain even more accessible by providing financial support to international students.

8. Poland, Affordable Countries for Indian Students

• Cost of Living: INR 60,000/month
• Cost of Studying: INR 1,80,000/year (Bachelor’s), INR 2,70,000/year (Master’s)

Poland allows international students to significantly reduce their educational expenses while benefiting from a high-quality education system.

Tuition fees at public universities are reasonable. First-degree programs average around ₹1,80,000 annually, and higher degrees and vocational programs cost approximately ₹2,70,000 annually.

The cost of living in Poland is lower compared to many European countries. This makes it an option among affordable countries for Indian students to manage their daily expenses on a limited budget.

International students in Poland, including those in full-time language programs or university courses, can work part-time for up to 20 hours per week during semesters.

This flexibility helps students supplement their income and gain valuable professional experience, enhancing their career prospects post-graduation.

Top Polish universities, such as the University of Warsaw and Jagiellonian University, are renowned for their academic excellence and diverse program offerings.

Many financial aid options, such as Erasmus+ and NAWA Scholarships, make studying in Poland even more accessible to Indian students.

9. France, Budget-Friendly Countries to Study Abroad

• Cost of Living: INR 86,000/month
• Cost of Studying: INR 2,50,000/year (Bachelor’s), INR 3,40,000/year (Master’s)

While the cost of living in France has risen in recent years, it remains a worthwhile investment for Indian students and others seeking high-quality education at relatively affordable rates.

Living expenses in France are estimated at a minimum of ₹1,62,000 per month for a single individual, covering accommodation, food, and other necessities.

For couples, this figure doubles to approximately ₹3,24,000 per month. Despite these costs, students benefit from subsidized healthcare, cultural perks, and opportunities to experience France’s renowned lifestyle.

Undergraduate programs in private universities typically range between ₹2.5 to ₹12 lakhs annually, while master’s programs in high-demand fields like Engineering, Business, and Sciences cost between ₹2.5 to ₹18 lakhs per year.

Public universities offer even lower fees, particularly for EU/EEA students, making education accessible to a broader audience.

One of France’s significant advantages is the pathway to permanent residency (PR) and citizenship. Students who study or work in France for at least five years become eligible for PR, which allows them to live and work there for up to 10 years.

France is home to globally acclaimed universities such as PSL Research University Paris and Sorbonne University.

These institutions offer robust academic programs and are supported by renowned scholarship opportunities, such as the Eiffel Scholarship and the Fulbright Program, further reducing financial barriers for deserving students.

10. Malaysia, Affordable Countries for Indian Students

• Cost of Living: INR 40,000/month
• Cost of Studying: INR 1,80,000 to INR 4,10,000/year (Bachelor’s), INR 45,000 to INR 3,60,000/year (Master’s)

Malaysia has become an option among affordable countries for Indian students due to its budget-friendly education, multicultural environment, and modern facilities.

Renowned cities like Kuala Lumpur, Subang Jaya, and Shah Alam, highlighted in the QS Best Student Cities 2024, offer Indian students a rich cultural experience alongside quality education.

The cost of living in Malaysia is relatively low compared to other international study destinations. Indian students can expect to spend an average of INR 39,308 monthly, excluding housing rent.

This affordability extends to education, with Malaysia offering excellent programs through its reputable public and private universities.

Beyond affordability, Malaysia’s universities provide students access to cutting-edge campus facilities, a secure and welcoming environment, and a multicultural lifestyle.

International students in Malaysia can work off-campus in roles such as those in restaurants, petrol kiosks, mini markets, and hotels.

However, they must obtain valid student passes to take advantage of these opportunities, which can supplement their financial resources while studying.

Top institutions like the University of Malaya and Universiti Teknologi Malaysia further enhance Malaysia’s appeal, offering world-class programs and a robust academic environment.

Scholarships such as the Malaysia International and MTCP scholarships make education even more accessible for deserving students.

📚 If you want to know more about 10 Cheapest Countries to Study for Indian Students read this article:

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